Circuit Court

From Indiana Code Title 33 Article 28

IC 33-28-1-1
Place of holding court; name of court
Sec. 1. The circuit court shall be held in the respective counties at times as may be fixed by law. The court shall be styled “____________ Circuit Court”, according to the name of the county in which it may be held.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-2
Jurisdiction
Sec. 2. (a) All circuit courts have:

  1. original and concurrent jurisdiction in all civil cases and in all criminal cases;
  2. de novo appellate jurisdiction of appeals from city and town courts; and
  3. in Marion County, de novo appellate jurisdiction of appeals from township small claims courts established under IC 33-34.
    1. The circuit court also has the appellate jurisdiction that may be conferred by law upon it.

As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.201-2011, SEC.22.

IC 33-28-1-3
Recognizances
Sec. 3. The judge of a circuit court, within the judge’s district, shall take all necessary recognizances to keep the peace, or to answer any criminal charge, or offense, in the court having jurisdiction.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-4
Form of process
Sec. 4. If there is a process for which a form is not prescribed by law, a circuit court shall frame a new writ in conformity with the principles of the process.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-5
Process; judgments; sentences; orders and injunctions; commissions for examination of witnesses; oaths; contempt
Sec. 5. A circuit court may do the following:

  1. Issue and direct all processes necessary to the regular execution of the law to the following:
    1. A court of inferior jurisdiction.
    2. A corporation.
    3. An individual.
  2. Make all proper judgments, sentences, decrees, orders, and injunctions, issue all processes, and do other acts as may be proper to carry into effect the same, in conformity with Indiana laws and Constitution of the State of Indiana.
  3. Administer all necessary oaths.
  4. Punish, by fine or imprisonment, or both, all contempts of the court’s authority.
  5. Proceed in any matter before the court, or in any matter in which the proceedings of the court, or the due course of justice, is interrupted.
  6. Grant commissions for the examination of witnesses according to the regulations of law.

As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-6
Subject matter in two or more counties
Sec. 6. When the subject matter of a circuit court is situated in two (2) or more counties, the court that takes cognizance of the matter first shall retain the matter.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-7
Seal of court
Sec. 7. The circuit court of each county shall have a seal. A description of the seal must be signed by the judge devising the seal.
The seal must be filed by the clerk and recorded.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-8
Clerk’s private seal
Sec. 8. (a) This section applies to a new county in which a seal has not been devised for the county’s circuit court.
(b) The clerk of a circuit court located in a county subject to this section may seal all papers required by law to be sealed with the seal of the circuit court with the clerk’s private seal. Papers sealed with the clerk’s seal under this section are considered to have been sealed with a seal devised by the circuit court.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-9
Failure of judge to attend court
Sec. 9. A suit, process, matter, or proceeding returnable to or pending in any circuit court may not be discontinued by reason of a failure of the judge to attend on the first or any other day of the term.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-10
Sheriff or coroner absent or incapacitated; appointment of elisor
Sec. 10. If, at any time both the sheriff and the coroner are unable to attend, or if the sheriff and coroner are both incapacitated from serving, the board of county commissioners may appoint an elisor to serve during the pendency of the matter in which the sheriff and coroner are disabled from serving.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

IC 33-28-1-11
Oath, bond, and authority of elisor
Sec. 11. An elisor appointed under section 10 of this chapter shall take the same oath and give the same bond and surety that are required of sheriffs. The elisor has the same authority to perform all the duties of the sheriff that relate to the service for which the elisor is specially appointed. The elisor is governed by the same rules and subject to the same penalties and liabilities as the sheriff.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.7.

Nutrition Program

Juvenile Detention receives federal reimbursement through the Department of Education through participation in the School Food Nutrition Program. 

Johnson County Employees Site

Indiana Back on Track

About Us

Get to know your Johnson County Museum of History!

Elections

The clerk serves as ex officio member and secretary of the county election board, and as a member and clerk of the county board of canvassers. The clerk appoints other members of the county election board and the board of canvassers. These appointments must be made, one from each of the two major political parties, from nominations filed in writing by the county chairmen of the parties. The clerk receives filings of candidacy from persons seeking certain elective public offices, and issues certificates of election to successful local candidates except in the cases of constitutional officers who receive commissions from the governor.

“The county clerk serves as voter registration officer in all counties having a population of less than 100,000 population electing not to have a board of voter registration. Serving in this capacity the clerk has full charge and control of the process of registering voters in the county, including certification of deputy registration officers. Counties having a population of 100,000 or more are required to have a board which performs these functions instead of the clerk.

In this Election Division, you will find information on:

Redevelopment Commission

The Johnson County Redevelopment Commission is the governing body responsible for economic development
and redevelopment within Johnson County.


Redevelopment Commission Members


• Rob Henderson - President, Appointed by Council
• Kevin Walls - Vice-President, Commissioner Representative
• Ronald West - Secretary, Commissioner Representative
• Jason Taylor - Member, Appointed by Commissioner
• Michele Graves - Member, Appointed by Council
• Scott Alexander - Non-Voting Member, School Board Representative

Drainage Board

The Johnson County Drainage Board performs three generalized functions.

  1. The Board has jurisdiction over almost every aspect related to County Legal Drains.
  2. It reviews the surface water management and / or redirection for Minor, Commercial, and Major pre-developed construction projects located within the county outside of incorporated areas.
  3. The Board also hears petitions to remove an obstruction for any resident in Johnson County that has a blocked drainage way. 

Board Members

  • Andrew Cochrane, Chairman
  • Thomas A. Dougherty, Member
  • Robert Etter, Member
  • Chad M. Paulin, Member
  • Kevin Walls, Member
  • Roger Young, Board Attorney
  • J. Gregg Cantwell, Johnson County Surveyor
  • Connie Reynolds, Records Keeper – Recording Secretary

Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals

The Johnson County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals makes decisions on appeals filed by taxpayers. Meetings are held between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the county administrative building at 86 West Court St., in Franklin.

Boards & Commissions

Superior Court 1

From Indiana Code Title 33 Article 29

IC 33-29
ARTICLE 29. SUPERIOR COURTS

IC 33-29-1
Chapter 1. Provisions Concerning Standard Superior Courts

IC 33-29-1-1
Application
Sec. 1. Except as otherwise provided in IC 33-33, this chapter applies to standard superior courts established in IC 33-33.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-1-1.5
Jurisdiction
Sec. 1.5. All standard superior courts have:
(1) original and concurrent jurisdiction in all civil cases and in all criminal cases;
(2) de novo appellate jurisdiction of appeals from city and town courts; and
(3) in Marion County, de novo appellate jurisdiction of appeals from township small claims courts established under IC 33-34.
As added by P.L.201-2011, SEC.25.

IC 33-29-1-2
Seal
Sec. 2. A standard superior court may have a seal containing the words “________ (insert name of county in which the court is located) Superior Court ______ (insert court number for multiple courts), _______ (insert name of county) County, Indiana”.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-1-3
Judge; election; qualifications
Sec. 3. (a) A standard superior court judge is elected at the general election every six (6) years in the county in which the court is located. The judge’s term begins January 1 following the election and ends December 31 following the election of the judge’s successor.
(b) To be eligible to hold office as a judge of a standard superior court, a person must be:
  (1) a resident of the county in which the court is located; and
  (2) admitted to practice law in Indiana.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.161-2011, SEC.1; P.L.201-2011, SEC.18.

IC 33-29-1-4
Judicial powers
Sec. 4. The judge of a standard superior court:
(1) has the same powers relating to the conduct of business of the court as the judge of the circuit court of the county in which the standard superior court is located; and
(2) may administer oaths, solemnize marriages, and take and certify acknowledgments of deeds.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-1-5
Bailiff and court reporter
Sec. 5. (a) The judge of a standard superior court shall appoint a bailiff and an official court reporter for the court.
(b) The salaries of the bailiff and the official court reporter shall be:
  (1) fixed in the same manner as the salaries of the bailiff and the official court reporter for the circuit court of the county in which the standard superior court is located; and
  (2) paid monthly:
    (A) out of the treasury of the county in which the standard superior court is located; and
    (B) as provided by law.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-1-6
Clerk; books and dockets
Sec. 6. The clerk of a standard superior court, under the direction of the judge of the court, shall provide:
(1) order books and fee books;
(2) judgment dockets and execution dockets; and
(3) other books for the court; that must be kept separately from the books and papers of other courts.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-1-7
Courtroom; equipment; duty of county executive
Sec. 7. (a) The county executive for the county in which the standard superior court is located shall provide and maintain:
  (1) a suitable courtroom;
  (2) furniture and equipment; and
  (3) other rooms and facilities; necessary for the operation of the court.
(b) The county fiscal body shall appropriate sufficient funds for the provision and maintenance of the items described in subdivisions (1) through (3).
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-1-8
Juries
Sec. 8. (a) A jury in the standard superior court shall be selected as provided in IC 33-28-5.
(b) A grand jury selected for the circuit court of the county in which the standard superior court is located shall serve as the grand jury for the standard superior court.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.118-2007, SEC.22.

IC 33-29-1-9
Transfer of cases
Sec. 9. (a) The judge of the circuit court of the county in which the standard superior court is located may, with the consent of the judge of the standard superior court, transfer any action or proceeding from the circuit court to the standard superior court.
(b) The judge of a standard superior court may, with the consent of the judge of the circuit court, transfer any action or proceeding from the standard superior court to the circuit court of the county in which the standard superior court is located.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

IC 33-29-1-10
Transfer of judges
Sec. 10. (a) The judge of the circuit court of the county in which the standard superior court is located may, with the consent of the judge of the standard superior court, sit as a judge of the standard superior court in any matter as if the circuit court judge were an elected judge of the standard superior court.
(b) The judge of a standard superior court may, with the consent of the judge of the circuit court, sit as the judge of the circuit court of the county in which the standard superior court is located in any matter as if the judge of the standard superior court were the elected judge of the circuit court.
As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

Get Involved

Be an active participant and supporter of the Johnson County Museum of History! Links to a variety of opportunities are available in the list below:

Johnson County Board of Zoning Appeals

The Johnson County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hears and makes decisions regarding use variances, development standards variances, special exceptions, zoning ordinance violations and appeals of administrative decisions.

The current members are listed below. The Board of Zoning Appeals typically meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium of the Johnson County Courthouse Annex

Board of Zoning Appeals Members

  • Chris Campbell – Chairman
  • James Kaylor– Vice Chairman
  • Charley Canary – Secretary
  • Mike Hoffman – Member
  • Douglas Gray – Member
  • Roger Meyer – Alternate Member

Per IC 36-7-4-920 (g) and the Johnson County Board of Zoning Appeals Rules and Procedures

"A person may not communicate with any member of the board before the hearing with intent to influence the member's action on a matter pending before the board."

Letters to the Board can be sent to Staff prior to a meeting. If letters or correspondences are received six days prior to a public meeting, they will be included in the meeting packet material. After six days, copies will be supplied at the public meeting. 

Events

All Hazards Preparedness

All Hazards Preparedness

Johnson County Health Department has taken an active role in emergency preparedness. Activities have included collaborating with other local health departments to develop emergency plans, coordinating emergency response agencies, as well as attending in-service trainings.

Preparedness is moving in a new direction. The focus will be centered around all hazards planning and training.

Emergency Preparedness Employees

Preparedness Coordinator
Elizabeth Swearingen
(317) 346-4374

Assistant Preparedness Coordinator
Lisa Brown
(317) 346-4376

Stop the Bleed

The purpose of Stop the Bleed is to train the public on how to recognize and learn to control life-threatening bleeding until first responders arrive. For more information, please visit the Stop the Bleed website. To search for and sign up for a class, visit the Bleeding Control website.

All Hazards Preparedness Helpful Links

For more information contact Betsy Swearingen at (317) 346-4374 or eswearingen@johnsoncounty.in.gov.

Building Department

For general questions on permits, fees, and types of inspections: Please email building@johnsoncounty.in.gov

Building Permit Packets and Fee Schedule 

BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW TIME:

The average review time on a building permit application is 10 business days. Please plan your project accordingly.

This is subject to change if the department receives more than the expected number of permits in a week.

BUILDING CODE

As stated in the Johnson County Ordinance Number 2008-02:

Pursuant Indiana Code 22-13-2-3 (b), the rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission as set out in the articles of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code are hereby incorporated by reference in this code and shall include later amendments to those Articles as the same are published in the Indiana Register or the Indiana Administrative Code, with effective dates as fixed therein.  Johnson County does not have any adopted amendments or individual building codes. 

The Indiana Administrative Code - Title 675 Fire Prevention & Building Safety Commission can be viewed at the State of Indiana website, or directly by clicking HERE.

In the unincorporated parts of Johnson County, the Director of Planning and Zoning, or his/designated agents, are charged with administering and enforcing all provisions of the building code.  If you have questions regarding provisions or applicability of the code, contact the Building Offical or Director at 317-346-4350

Fire Code: The Department of Planning and Zoning works with all Fire Districts within Johnson County for assistance on Fire Code regulations and Inspections. 

Road Impact Fee:

Building Permit Applications for all new single-family homes and commercial developments for areas within White River Township will be assessed a Road Impact Fee. The Road Impact Fee will be collected by the Planning and Zoning Office along with the Building Permit Fee at the issuance of the Building Permit. All questions should be directed to the Johnson County Highway Department (317-346-4630).

Advance Structural Components - I-joist : 

 It is required to indicate at the time of permit application if the structure will be using “advanced structural components”. Advanced structural components are defined as lightweight I-joists or lightweight roof trusses.

Energy Code: 

Per Energy Codes, Johnson County Planning & Zoning will be requiring permits for all window replacements. 

Click here for a list of the current Building Code adopted by the State of Indiana https://www.in.gov/dhs/boards-and-commissions/fpbsc-rules/ 

Environmental

Environmental Health Mission Statement

To control the spread of communicable disease, to promote, and improve health, and preserve the integrity of the environment.

The Environmental Division of the Johnson County Health Department oversees the following topics:

Environmentalists

Nursing

Nursing Mission Statement

The goal of the Nursing Division of the Health Department is healthy people living in a healthy community. Our mission is to promote good physical and mental health as well as to educate Johnson County residents on prevention of disease, injury, and disability.

The Nursing Division offers the following services: 

  • Regularly scheduled immunizations by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:30pm
  • Please contact the Nursing Division at 317-739-3419 for after hours and weekend vaccination appointment availability.
  • TB skin tests on a walk-in basis Tuesdays between 8:30am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:30pm
  • Flu and Covid-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis on Wednesdays between 8:30am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 3:30pm
  • HIV and STI testing on a walk-in basis on Mondays between 9:00am - 12:00pm.  By appointment only between 12:00pm - 2:00pm.  Call 317-739-3419 for other availabilities. 
  • QFT blood draw to detect TB infection by appointment only Monday - Friday
  • Blood Lead testing by appointment only Monday - Friday

Please see the Nursing Division's Topics of Interest for more information on the services we provide.

Nursing Staff

Education

Vital Records

The Vital Records Division of the Johnson County Health Department issues birth and death certificates. Please be aware that we only accept cash after 4pm for birth and death certificates. Refer to the forms tab for eligible documents.

Vital Records

Shop

The Johnson County Historical Society is a non-profit, educational institution whose purpose is to collect, preserve, interpret and promote the material culture of this region.

Exhibits

Explore our exhibits tracing the history of Johnson Country from its geological beginnings to the pioneer days to the foot tappin’ fifties!

Hands-on Exhibits

Hands-On ExhibitWe believe kids learn more when they can interact with exhibits, and use their natural curiosity to play, make-believe, and discover. At the Johnson County Museum kids can have fun playing with pioneer and Victorian dress-up clothes, imagining a journey through the wilderness in our life-sized replica of a Conestoga wagon, doing a museum scavenger hunt, and experiencing toys and games from years gone by.

The handprint symbol you see throughout the museum invites young visitors to “Please Touch the Exhibit!”

Superior Court 2

Please remember the Court’s staff cannot give you legal advice or direct you to a specific attorney. If you need to contact the Court with questions that cannot be answered by viewing your case on https://mycase.in.gov/, you may call 317-346-4420, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

We recommend that any person with questions about their case seek the advice of a licensed attorney. The Indiana Coalition for Court Access https://indianalegalhelp.org can assist in finding low cost legal help. Additionally, the Indiana Coalition for Court Access https://indianalegalhelp.org/what-if-i-dont-qualify and Bar Associations provide options if you do not qualify for low-cost legal aid.

All Agreed Entries/Decrees of Dissolution of Marriage need to be signed by both parties and notarized by a Notary Public. You can usually find a Notary Public at your bank or an attorney’s office; Court and Clerk staff cannot notarize documents for you.

If Child Support is included in your divorce, a Child Support Obligation Worksheet needs to be completed and attached to the Decree when being submitted (the link to the calculator is below). If you have an agreed upon amount that is different than the child support calculator gives you, you must include a paragraph in your Decree that states the agreed amount and give the reason why you are not utilizing the amount given by the calculator.

Email: D02Electroniccopy@johnsoncounty.in.gov

Adoptions

Minor Adoptions
**Pursuant to IC §31-19-2-2 all minor Adoptions are required to be filed by an Attorney (see below)**
IC §31-19-2-2

Adult Adoptions
Petition for Adoption of Adult
Record of Adoption

Adult Guardianship

The Clerk’s Office can accept the adult guardianship packet via email at guardianships@johnsoncounty.in.gov. To pay the $177.00 guardianship filing fee, please call 317-346-4450.

Adult Name Change

Adult Name Change Instructions / Form

To pay the $157.00 name change filing fee, please call 317-346-4450.

Minor Guardianship

Minor Guardianship with Consent

The Clerk’s Office can accept the minor guardianship packet via email at guardianships@johnsoncounty.in.gov. To pay the $177.00 guardianship filing fee, please call 317-346-4450.

Supported Decision Making

Court Commitments

Forms

Probate Forms

Resources

FIDUCIARY Training:

FIDUCIARY Accounting YouTube Videos:

     Veteran's Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255 press 1
     National Call Center: (800) 827-1000
     VA Health Care: (877) 222-8387
     My VA311 White House Hotline: (844) 698-2311
     Help for Homeless Veterans: (877) 424-3838

Planning Commission

The Johnson County Plan Commission is an advisory body to the Board of Commissioners. The Plan Commission reviews development proposals (e.g. subdivisions and rezonings) and conducts comprehensive land use planning for the county. In this role, the Plan Commission utilizes the help of the staff of the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Technical Review Committee.

The Plan Commission generally meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium of the Johnson County Courthouse Annex.

Plan Commission Members

  • Jon Myers [Term: 1/1/25 to 12/31/25] – Member, appointed by County Council  – Chairman 
  • Ron West [Term: 1/1/25 to 12/31/25] – Member, Commissioner Representative – Vice Chairman
  • Stoney Vann [Term: 1/1/25 to 12/31/28]-Citizen Member, appointed by County Commissioner– Secretary
  • J. Gregg Cantwell [Office Term]– Member, Served by Office Held - Variance Hearing Officer
  • Shalee Bradley –[Office Term]Member; Served by Office Held, Purdue Extension
  • Steve Hickman [Term: 1/1/23 to 12/31/27] – Citizen Member, appointed by County Commissioner - Technical Review Committee Representative
  • Robert Page [Term: 1/8/23 to 12/31/27] – Citizen Member, appointed by County Commissioner
  • Douglas Gray [Term: 1/1/24 to 12/31/27]– Citizen Member, appointed by County Commissioner
  • Charlie Canary [Term: 1/1/23 to 12/31/27]- Citizen Member, appointed by County Commissioner
  • Ron Bates [Term: 1/1/25 to 12/31/25] - Alternate Council Representative

Information for the upcoming meeting

Agenda and Staff Report   - proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance 

Child Passenger Safety

Some local agencies provide free car seats, based on financial hardship, and/or free car seat inspections by appointment. Please review the attached flyer for further information:

Car Seat Program Information

Informational Sheets

Superior Court 3

Technical Review Committee

Johnson County Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee meets with developers to review and make preliminary recommendations relative to proposed major and minor subdivisions, new commercial development, and other larger-scale improvement projects.

The Technical Review Committee conducts a review once a month and is headed by the County Planning Engineer, It is additionally comprised of representatives from the following departments and agencies: Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Health Department, Department of Planning and Zoning,  Highway Department, County Surveyor, Cities and Towns in Johnson County, Department of Natural Resources, INDOT (Seymour District), Camp Atterbury, other governmental units, Fire and Safety, electric, gas, and sanitary utilities, and school corporations. To request placement on an upcoming Technical Review Committee agenda, please contact the County Planning Engineer at 317-346-4350.

Application
Prior to issuance of a building permit, the Director may require an applicant to obtain site plan approval from the Johnson County Technical Review Committee, where engineering design standards shall be based on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the Stormwater Management Ordinance, and the Stormwater Technical Standards Manual requirements. Any alteration not covered in the design standards shall be determined by the Committee and/or Drainage Board. At the discretion of the Committee, additional information may be required, or the Committee may elect to forward the application to the Board of Commissioners or to the Drainage Board, where decisions or approvals shall be made for engineering design standards, specifications, or alternate materials  not based upon the UDO, the Stormwater Management Ordinance, or the Stormwater Technical Standards Manual.

Action by the Technical Review Committee 
The Technical Review Committee, as a designate of the Plan Commission, may grant approval of the site plan with no conditions, or with conditions after citation of an ordinance section relied upon for conditions. Conditional site plan approval may also be granted subject to the receipt of approvals or permits required from other governmental units; however, no actual development, construction activity, or use of land shall commence until all such required approvals or permits have been obtained. Within fifteen (15) days of the Committee review, the Department of Planning shall provide the applicant a written report specifying any changes required in order for the site plan to meet County ordinances.

 

The following are fence standards found in johnson county

Superior Court 4

Marla Clark is the Judge of Johnson Superior Court 4, Johnson County’s newest court. She was elected in 2014 to be the first Judge of the Court.

Judge Clark was valedictorian of her class at Center Grove High School and attended the University of Houston on a National Merit Scholarship. She attended Indiana University Maurer School of Law on the Maurer Scholarship for Public Service.

After a brief time in private practice, she worked at the Indiana Court of Appeals. For the nearly 10 years before she became a superior court judge, she served as the Juvenile Magistrate in Johnson Circuit Court. Judge Clark has published a number of articles and has won the Harrison Legal Writing Award sponsored by the Indiana State Bar Association. Judge Clark is committed to public service, fairness, and making sure that everyone is heard.

Johnson Superior Court 4 handles civil cases, divorces, and other types of cases by special assignment.

Although all of our staff can assist you and answer any questions you might have, you are welcome to ask for the staff member who is primarily responsible for your case. Please remember that the staff cannot give you legal advice, but it can give you legal information.

Always make sure that the Court has your most current contact information—address, email address, and cell phone number.

The court’s main telephone number is (317) 346-4349 and we are located on the second floor of the Courthouse, 5 East Jefferson Street, Franklin, Indiana, 46131.

MS4 Stormwater

Johnson County MS4 - Stormwater Division 

The Department of Planning and Zoning is the Operator, as identified by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the federal Environmental Protection Agency, of unincorporated Johnson County's MS4, or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. In that role, we review and inspect construction and post-construction stormwater quality protection plans for residential, commercial and institutional development; we monitor and regularly inspect county-owned and -maintained outfalls; we receive and investigate complaints of illicit discharges, and, where applicable, bring an enforcement action against illicit dischargers; and we promote stormwater-related public education, involvement and outreach activities through involvement with the Johnson County Partnership for Water Quality.

The Storm Water Hotline has been established to address concerns about flooding, erosion, water quality, construction sites and permits. Please contact us at planning@johnsoncounty.in.gov or 317-346-4350 to report any concerns. It is helpful if contact name and information if provide for thorough tracking as issues are reported and resolved.

The Department also requires and reviews stormwater permits for most development in the unincorporated county area. The stormwater permitting process, which exists in lieu of a standard stormwater utility fee assessed to all property owners, ensures that a given property properly and appropriately manages stormwater runoff, and provides for a high quality of cleanliness of stormwater runoff as it eventually enters county rivers and streams.

 

New Stormwater Management Ordinance and Stormwater Technical Standards Manual adopted 12-19-2022

Johnson County Stormwater Management Ordinance

Johnson County Stormwater Technical Standards Manual 

Helpful Information for construction activity 

Stormwater - Silt Fence detail

Stormwater - Concrete washout detail

Stormwater -Temporary construction ingress/egress pad for two-acres or larger sites

Stormwater -Temporary construction ingress/egress pad for site smaller than two-acres

Stormwater - Inlet protection mats example

Top 10 permit infon

Health Education

Community Trainings 

Education and awareness are important in public health. Our Health Educator provides educational trainings that focuses on the below topics, including destigmatizing substance use disorder by providing information about Naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid reversal medication that acts as a bridge between an overdose and EMS response. We provide naloxone training and education for anyone interested. We also have Naloxone available for the public. Anyone can come into our office and get free doses with training. There are also several NaloxBoxes scattered around the county that allows individuals to obtain naloxone anonymously. Please contact our Health Educator at 317-346-4369 for any additional questions or to set up a training.

Stop the Bleed

The purpose of Stop the Bleed is to train the public on how to recognize and learn to control life-threatening bleeding until first responders arrive. For more information, please visit the Stop the Bleed website. To search for and sign up for a class, visit the Bleeding Control website.

Other Educational Presentations:

Asthma Asthma PDF
Asthma Video
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ADHD PDF
Bloodborne            Pathogens Bloodborne Pathogens PDF
Bloodborne Pathogens Video
Bullying Bullying PDF
Bullying Video
Cancer Cancer PDF
Cancer Video
COPD COPD PDF
COPD Video
Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Mellitus PDF
Diabetes Video
Diphtheria Diphtheria PDF
Diphtheria Video
Eating Disorders Eating Disorders PDF
Eating Disorders Video
Gastrointestinal
Illness		 Gastrointestinal Illness PDF
Gastrointestinal Illness Video
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease PDF
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Video
Handwashing (For General Public) Handwashing PDF
Handwashing Video
Handwashing (For Kids) Handwashing for Kids PDF
Handwashing for Kids Video
Heart Attacks Heart Attacks PDF
Heart Attacks Video
Heart Failure Heart Failure PDF
Heart Failure Video
Hepatitis A, B, C Hepatitis A, B, C PDF
Hepatitis A, B, C Video
Hepatitis C Hepatitis C PDF
Hepatitis C Video
Influenza Influenza PDF 
Influenza Video
Keeping the
Restaurant Clean		 Keeping the Restaurant Clean PDF
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Lead and Its Health Effects in Children Lead and Its Health Effects in Children PDF
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Measles Measles PDF
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Meningitis Meningitis PDF
Meningitis Video 
Methamphetamine Methamphetamine PDF
Methamphetamine Video 
Mosquitoes Mosquitoes PDF
Mosquitoes Video 
Mumps Mumps PDF
Mumps Video
Pertussis Pertussis PDF
Pertussis Video 
Poliomyelitis Poliomyelitis PDF
Poliomyelitis Video
Pool and Swimming Safety Pool and Swimming Safety PDF
Pool and Swimming Safety Video 
Preparing for
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Puberty Puberty PDF
Puberty Video 
Rubella Rubella PDF
Rubella Video
Scabies Scabies PDF
Scabies Video
Strokes Strokes PDF
Strokes Video 
Tattoos Tattoos PDF
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Teens, Pregnancy, and Birth Control Teens, Pregnancy, and Birth Control PDF
Teens, Pregnancy, and Birth Control Video
Teens, Young Adults, and STDs Teens, Young Adults, and STDs PDF
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Teen Substance Use Teen Substance Use PDF
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Juvenile Court

The website is not a means of communication with the Court and/or court staff.  You will need to fill out one of the attached forms on our website for the Court to consider your written request.

If you need any further assistance, you may contact the Johnson Juvenile Court at 317-346-4691.

Forms

Minor Guardianships

The Clerk’s Office can accept the minor guardianship packet via email at guardianships@johnsoncounty.in.gov. To pay the $177.00 guardianship filing fee, please call 317-346-4450.

Confidentiality Program

In order to make your address confidential, you will need to go through the appropriate steps.  Please click on the link below and follow the directions.

Address Confidentiality Program

Faxes

Please note that Juvenile Court no longer uses a traditional fax machine and number. Instead, please scan your document(s) and email to: juvcourtfax@johnsoncounty.in.gov. Please do not include any evidence or audio/video communication in your email. Thank you!

Please provide the Court with all of your current information, such as the Cause Number of the case and/or cases in reference, current addresses, phone numbers and emails for all parties of record. Failure to do so may result in the Court taking no action on your pleading.  

WIC

Clerk of the Courts

Health Board

Johnson County Health Board Members

  • James Pease, M.D., Chairman
  • Paul Hass, Health Board Attorney
  • Amanda Stevenson - Holmes
  • Susan Baker
  • Michael Pauszek, M.D.
  • Steven Stropes, D.V.M.
  • Chele Heid
  • Ruth Freese, Anthropologist

2026 Meeting Schedule:

February 25    April 22    June 25    August 26    October 28    December 9

*All meetings will start at 7:30 AM and meet at the Johnson County Health Department

*Until further notice, all Health Board meetings will begin with an Executive Meeting.

Sharps Program

Sharps ContainerThe Johnson County Health Department has partnered with Stericycle to provide a sharps container exchange and disposal program. This program is free for all Johnson County residents. If you live in another county, please contact your local health department.

Sharps containers are to be used for the disposal of sharps only (needles, pens, lancets, vials). Do not place alcohol swabs, paper, cotton balls or other items into the container. Also, do not place any kind of drugs (expired, prescribed, over the counter) into the container. We will not accept any sharps containers with any prohibited items as this is against Stericycle’s Waste Acceptance Policy, as stated below.

Stericycle’s Waste Acceptance Policy requires that you segregate your used and expired pharmaceuticals from your medical waste to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and our disposal facilities’ permit conditions. If you are placing pharmaceutical waste in the red bag provided by Stericycle, you are in violation of this policy.

The Johnson County Health Department offers a free Sharps Exchange Program for Johnson County residents.  Please feel free to stop by our office, Monday thru Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm for the exchange and/or drop off.  The office is closed most recognized major holidays.

PLEASE NOTE: Sharps must be housed in an actual sharps container before the exchange can take place.  The office will not accept sharps in detergent containers, coffee cans, or other unmarked/inappropriate receptacles.  If you need to stop by our office to pick up an empty (5 quart) sharps container and/or make an exchange, please acknowledge the receptionist inside the Nursing area.  Grant restrictions allow (1) container per household/resident.  Sharps containers may also be purchased from your local CVS, Walgreen's, etc. 

Our NEW office is located at: 95 S Drake Rd, Franklin, IN 46131. (Directly behind the Indiana Members Credit Union)

If you have any questions, please contact Miriam Rooks at (317) 346-4365 or miriamrooks@johnsoncounty.in.gov.

About Us

Administration Staff for the Johnson County Department of Health includes:

Department Director
Elizabeth Swearingen
(317) 346-4374

Director of Nursing
Lisa Brown, RN
(317) 346-4381

Business Manager
Connie Wiegle
(317) 346-4375

Health Officer
Jefferson M. Qualls, M.D.
(317) 346-4365

For a full listing, visit the Health Department Staff Directory

Asthma Program

Johnson County Referral Program, School/After School program:

The Asthma program is implemented to lessen difficulties breathing for Johnson County residents by making breathing easy and ensuring that every breath matters.

Asthma Referral Program:

The Asthma Referral Program has been established to provide crucial support to individuals coping with asthma, ultimately reducing triggers and minimizing hospital visits.  To further enhance this program's reach, we are seeking to collaborate with schools to offer students the opportunity to access the Environmental Home Assessment Referral Form.  For a home visit to be scheduled, the individual or a legal guardian will need to complete the Environmental Home Assessment Referral Form.

The Asthma Referral Program is a critical step in our ongoing efforts to reduce asthma triggers and minimize hospital visits for those affected.  We envision a collaborative partnership with schools to provide students with the opportunity to access the Environmental Home Assessment Service Request Form.  By facilitating home visits through this referral process, we aim to equip families with the knowledge and resources to better manage asthma triggers. 

School/After School Program:

Open Airway Facilitator Program (OAS) within schools; This program is designed to assist students who experience asthma related challenges that lead to class absences and visits to the school nurse.  Through OAS, students can identify their asthma triggers, effectively manage their condition by utilizing their action plans, and regain the ability to participate in sports and group activities. 

In an effort to better improve health equity in Johnson County, we partnered with Improving Kids Environment to introduce Healthy Spaces Happy Children Program.  This initiative aims to help the safety of children aged 0 to 6 years old.  

The goal is to help childcare centers make their spaces asthma friendly and environmentally healthy.  This grant funded program begins when a childcare center signs up, then IKE will provide free technical assistance, supplies, and resources to help achieve the center's healthy space goals.  Once the goals are reached, the center earns additional supplies along with promotion as a Healthy Space.  For more information, contact asthma@hecweb.org. 

School Health & Immunization Clinics

IMMUNIZATION CLINICS

The Johnson County Health Department will be hosting Immunization Clinics on the following days in 2025.

            • April 21: Johnson County Fairgrounds - Scott Hall

                      250 Fairgrounds Street, Franklin, IN 46131.  4 PM to 6 PM

            To participate in the Immunization Clinic, please register at: Patient.Vaxcare.com/Registration

            Use Enrollment Code: IN65942, then select your desired location.

            In a diverse community, we have residents that speak different languages.  We have the March 8th, April 9th, and April 21st Immunization flyers in 3 different languages.  Please choose the one that best suites you.

            PARENTS!  CHECK WITH YOUR STUDENTS SCHOOL CORPORATION FOR YOUR SCHOOL SPECIFIC VACCINE CLINIC!

            Health First Indiana Grant Program

            In August 2021, Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the Governor's Public Health Commission (GPHC) through an Executive Order.  The commission was charged with assessing the strengths and weaknesses of Indiana's public health system and make recommendations for enhancements.  The final report was released in July of 2022 with six areas of growth and improvement needed to strengthen Indiana's public health system.

            • Governance, Infrastructure and Services
            • Dedicated Public Health Funding
            • Public Health Workforce
            • Data & Information Systems
            • Emergency Preparedness
            • Child & Adolescents 

            During the 2023 legislative session several bills were presented on improving the public health system of Indiana.  With overwhelming bipartisan support in the State House and Senate a bill that focuses on creating a consistent set of Core Public Health Services (CPHS), accessible, recurring and dedicated funding for local health departments, as well as clearly defined measurements for immediate and future growth was passed.  The bill, Senate Enrolled Act 4 (SEA 4), passed on April 17, 2023.  The State's initiative that stems from SEA 4 is Health First Indiana (HFI).

            Johnson County Commissioners opted in to the 2025-2026 funding on May 20, 2024, which guaranteed Johnson County Health Department (JCHD) more than $3 million over the next year.  JCHD has historically been funded through a combination of local property taxes, grants, service fees, reimbursements, and other miscellaneous revenue sources.  This mix of funding mechanisms, particularly those that are not guaranteed or secure year to year, causes worry over developing new programs and services.  Therefore, we are excited about the prospect of developing programming due to these funds, which will enable us to better serve our citizens. 

            Rabies Information

            Rabies is a deadly viral disease that is transmitted through infected animal bites.  Though rare, rabies is almost always fatal.  It is important to keep your pets up to date with vaccination and practice safe handling of animals.  Please visit the following links for information about rabies in Indiana, including dates on most recent cases of rabies by species.

            https://www.in.gov/rabies/

            https://www.in.gov/rabies/rabies-by-the-numbers/

            https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html

            For information on how to submit an animal for rabies testing, please visit the following link.

            https://www.in.gov/rabies/rabies-sample-submission/

            Please note, Johnson County Animal Control only assists with domestic animals.  For questions or concerns regarding domestic animals or to see what services are offered by Johnson County Animal Control, please visit the link below.

            https://johnsoncountyanimalcontrol.com/home/

            For information about rabies treatment and decision making regarding when treatment is needed, please review the following page.

            https://www.in.gov/localhealth/miamicounty/files/2016-Rabies-Treatment-Algorithm.pdf